Heather Elvis: Tips on missing woman steady after national attention

Some national broadcasts turned to Horry County this week as the search continues for a Socastee woman missing since the week before Christmas, but authorities aren’t sure the attention will provide the lead that solves the case.

Some national broadcasts turned to Horry County this week as the search continues for a Socastee woman missing since the week before Christmas, but authorities aren’t sure the attention will provide the lead that solves the case.

A task force in Horry County is working around the clock looking for 20-year-old Heather Elvis, who was last seen about 2:30 a.m. Dec. 17.

Searchers will return to Myrtle Beach on Saturday to look for clues in Elvis' disappearance. Volunteers who want to help should sign up at www.ncmissingpersons.org/volunteer-online-2/

Volunteers should report at 9 a.m. Saturday to the corner of Dick Scobee Drive and Ronald McNair Road in Myrtle Beach, according to CUE Center officials. Searchers must have picture identification and dress for the weather as well as wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, and proper footwear.

Volunteers also will have a tent set up near the railroad tracks off River Oaks Drive from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday to accept tips about Elvis' whereabouts.

Lt. Robert Kegler, with Horry County police, said he’s not sure whether the national attention the Elvis case received this week has been helpful.

Elvis’ disappearance was talked about on “Nancy Grace” and “Good Morning America.” Her story has also been on Huffington Post and the website for the New York Daily News.

But Kegler said tips in the case were pouring in steadily before Elvis made national headlines and the information has continued to flow all week. Investigators are looking at every tip received and chasing every lead, he said.

In a report filed late Dec. 19, a police officer on patrol saw the 20-year-old’s vehicle parked at Peachtree boat landing and called her father, who is the owner, to ask why it was parked there.

Her father, Terry Elvis, said he last heard from his daughter about 10:43 p.m. Dec. 17, when she sent him a text message.

A search task force includes personnel from the Horry County Police Department, Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Myrtle Beach Police Department, State Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Marshals Task Force and the 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Elvis, according to a police report, went on a date the last night anyone reported seeing her. Her date is not considered a suspect, Kegler said.

There is a $25,000 reward for information about her whereabouts.

Anyone with information can call 915-TIPS or email crimetips@horrycounty.org.